Decadent Protein Brownies with Cottage Cheese: Your New Healthy Indulgence

👩‍🍳 Instructions

1. 1

   Preheat your oven to 175°C (350°F). Line an 8x8 inch (20x20 cm) baking pan with parchment paper, allowing an overhang on the sides for easy removal.
2. 2

   In a food processor or high-speed blender, combine the cottage cheese, eggs, vanilla extract, and applesauce. Blend until the mixture is completely smooth and free of any cottage cheese lumps, scraping down the sides as needed. This usually takes 1-2 minutes.
3. 3

   In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the cocoa powder, protein powder, all-purpose flour, erythritol (or sweetener), baking powder, and salt. Ensure all dry ingredients are well combined and lump-free.
4. 4

   Pour the blended wet ingredients into the bowl with the dry mixture. Stir gently with a spatula until just combined. Be careful not to overmix the batter.
5. 5

   Fold in the sugar-free chocolate chips or chunks, if using, until evenly distributed throughout the batter.
6. 6

   Transfer the brownie batter into the prepared baking pan and spread it evenly with the spatula.
7. 7

   Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with moist crumbs attached, but no wet batter. The brownies will still feel soft when warm.
8. 8

   Allow the brownies to cool completely in the pan on a wire rack before attempting to cut them. This step is crucial for achieving a fudgy texture. Once fully cooled, lift the brownies out using the parchment paper and cut into 16 squares.
9. 9

   Store leftover brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or in the refrigerator for up to a week. They can also be frozen for longer storage.